Platelet 5-hydroxytryptamine increases with platelet age in dogs.

Thrombocytopenia was induced in mongrel dogs by two mechanisms: immunologically, by intravenous injection of heterologous antiplatelet antibody, and non-immunologically, by circulating the blood through glass beads in anesthetized animals. The platelet content of 5-HT was monitored before and during the recovery of the blood platelet counts. This period is associated with the normalization of the mean platelet survival time and with a progressive increase in the mean age of the circulating platelet population. A continuous increment in platelet 5-HT closely followed the increase in platelet counts in both models of thrombocytopenia, and a strong correlation was found between the platelet age and 5-HT content. These findings support the concept that platelets accumulate 5-HT during their physiological aging process, contradicting the notion that a negative balance in 5-HT content results at the end of their physiological lifespan in circulation. These results are not in conflict with the concept that circulating platelets release and re-uptake 5-HT.     

Recycling and EH domain proteins at the synapse

In neurons, a network of endocytic proteins accomplishes highly regulated processes such as synaptic vesicle cycling and the timely internalization of intracellular signaling molecules. In this review, we discuss recent advances on molecular networks created through interactions between proteins bearing the Eps15 homology (EH) domain and partner proteins containing the Asn–Pro–Phe (NPF) motif, which participate in important aspects of neuronal function as the synaptic vesicle cycle, the internalization of nerve growth factor (NGF), the determination of neuronal cell fate, the development of synapses and the trafficking of postsynaptic receptors. We discuss novel functional findings on the role of intersectin and synaptojanin and then we focus on the features of an emerging family of EH domain proteins termed EHDs (EH domain proteins), which are important for endocytic recycling of membrane proteins.     

Chinese flap in head and neck surgery

Twenty patients underwent resections for head and neck cancer. The reconstructive procedure used was the free forearm flap with microsurgical technique on 22 occasions. The free forearm flap was used in its simple or composite form, with double or manifold islands, with a segment of the radius for mandible reconstruction or with two islands joined solely by the vascular pedicle, constituting what the authors call "tandem flap", with excellent results. The procedure does not replace conventional ones, but the authors believe it should be regarded as one of the choice flaps by surgeons dedicated to this special field.     

Altered mRNA expression for brain-derived neurotrophic factor and type II calcium/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase in the hippocampus of patients with intractable temporal lobe epilepsy

The expression of brain-derived neurotrophic factor and the alpha subunit of calcium/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II mRNA in hippocampi obtained during surgical resections for intractable temporal lobe epilepsy were examined. Both calcium/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II and brain-derived neurotrophic factor are localized heavily within the hippocampus and have been implicated in regulating hippocampal activity (Kang and Schuman [1995] Science 267:1658-1662; Suzuki [1994] Intl J Biochem 26:735-744). Also, the autocrine and paracrine actions of brain-derived neurotrophic factor within the central nervous system make it a likely candidate for mediating morphologic changes typically seen in the epileptic hippocampus. Quantitative assessments of mRNA levels in epileptic hippocampi relative to autopsy controls were made by using normalized densitometric analysis of in situ hybridization. In addition, correlations between clinical data and mRNA levels were studied. Relative to autopsy control tissue, decreased hybridization to mRNA of the alpha subunit of calcium/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II and increased hybridization to brain-derived neurotrophic factor mRNA were found throughout the granule cells of the epileptic hippocampus. There also was a significant negative correlation between the duration of epilepsy and the expression of mRNA for brain-derived neurotrophic factor. These results are similar qualitatively to those found in animal models of epilepsy and suggest that chronic seizure activity in humans leads to persistent alterations in gene expression. Furthermore, these alterations in gene expression may play a role in the etiology of the epileptic condition.     

A scoring system for AML patients aged 70 years or older,eligible for intensive chemotherapy: a study based on a large European data set using the DATAML,SAL, and PETHEMA registries

In a context of therapeutic revolution in older adults with AML, it is becoming increasingly important to select patients for the various treatment options by taking account of short-term efficacy and toxicity as well as long-term survival. Here, the data from three European registries for 1,199 AML patients aged 70 years or older treated with intensive chemotherapy were used to develop a prognostic scoring system. The median follow-up was 50.8 months. In the training set of 636 patients, age, performance status, secondary AML, leukocytosis, and cytogenetics, as well as NPM1 mutations (without FLT3-ITD), were all significantly associated with overall survival, albeit not to the same degree. These factors were used to develop a score that predicts long-term overall survival. Three risk-groups were identified: a lower, intermediate and higher-risk score with predicted 5-year overall survival (OS) probabilities of ≥12% (n = 283, 51%; median OS = 18 months), 3–12% (n = 226, 41%; median OS = 9 months) and <3% (n = 47, 8%; median OS = 3 months), respectively. This scoring system was also significantly associated with complete remission, early death and relapse-free survival; performed similarly in the external validation cohort (n = 563) and showed a lower false-positive rate than previously published scores. The European Scoring System ≥70, easy for routine calculation, predicts long-term survival in older AML patients considered for intensive chemotherapy.Subject terms: Acute myeloid leukaemia, Risk factors     

Iron-related parameters in Spanish mares during pregnancy

During pregnancy, metabolic adjustments occur in the mare to preserve iron stores in order to have adequate amounts for the growth and development of the equine fetus. The aim of this study was to analyze the evolution of hematocrit, iron, and ferritin in Spanish Purebred mares during pregnancy. A total of 31 Spanish broodmares aged 4–17 years old were studied during three similar periods of pregnancy (I, II, and III). Hematocrit (packed cell volume, PCV) was determined by microhematocrit and iron and ferritin concentrations were analyzed using spectrophotometry and turbidimetric methods, respectively. Pregnancy in the Spanish mare was characterized by a progressive increase in PCV and serum iron and ferritin concentrations. The physiological state of pregnancy significantly modifies iron status in these animals. In comparison with the first period, the increase in iron stores during the second and third periods indicates a positive iron balance, suggesting that the fetus can tolerate iron levels compatible with the mothers during the entire fetal development process.     

Pleural Empyema as a Late Complication of Liver Cystectomy for Hydatid Cyst

Cystectomy without capitonnage is a widely used surgical technique for liver hydatid disease. A residual cavity can be left during the procedure, which can turn into an abscess. We report the case of a patient who developed right pleural empyema as a late complication of this procedure. She was successfully managed with antibiotics and a right thoracotomy.